The name Norwich foodbank is used in all its works.
Patrons Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, Delia Smith CBE and Susan Hill CBE.

Norwich responds generously to Foodbank's Advent appeal

The response to Norwich Foodbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar appeal, where people collect 24 much needed items of food plus a festive treat in the run up to December 1, has exceeded expectation with a flow of donations arriving at the warehouse this morning.

Pat Moore, Norwich Foodbank’s Warehouse and Transport Manager, described yesterday evening (Friday, December 1) as: “the busiest two hours of his life”. The warehouse opened from 4pm - 6pm to receive donations of Reverse Advent Calendars and the number that arrived was beyond expectation.

Supporters of the Reverse Advent Calendar campaign have collected one of Norwich Foodbank’s most needed food items each day from November 6 to December 1, plus a festive treat.

This morning (Saturday, December 2) the warehouse was open for another two hours from 10am-12pm. By 9.30am there had already been 10 donations and by 10am there was a steady stream of cars arriving each with a full box or multiple carrier bags filled with donated food.

Rev Mark Fairweather Tall, a Trustee of Norwich Foodbank was at the warehouse dropping off his own Reverse Advent Calendar with his daughters Grace and Bethia (pictured right). He said: “We are delighted by the generosity so many people have shown in donating through the Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.

“This will enable Norwich Foodbank to meet the increased demand that we encounter around this time and help those families and individuals who would otherwise go hungry at Christmas”.

Sarah Bird, who dropped off her donation, with her husband Andrew (pictured below right) explained her reason for taking part in the Reverse Advent Calendar scheme. She said: “It’s horrible to think of people not having enough food and having to make a choice between heating the house or eating. This just felt like something good to do.”

Hannah Briggs (main photo), agreed, saying emotionally: “I’m very fortunate that I’m able to go to the shops for my family. Christmas is a horrible time of year to not have enough food to feed your family. And it’s good to be able to give food items and not just money”.

Katherine Toomey, a nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, explained: “As a family it was an opportunity to reflect on what we needed in life and give back to the local community”.

There is still time to take Reverse Advent Calendar donations for Norwich Foodbank to the warehouse at Henderson Business Centre, 52 Ivy Road, Norwich, NR5 8BF on Tuesday, December 5 from 9am-11am or 4pm -6pm. If these times are not possible email admin@norwich.foodbank.org.uk, or call 01603 251733.